Study Shows Violent Video Games Reduce Stress Hormones and Maintain Empathy Levels

A recent study suggests that playing violent video games might decrease stress hormones in some players, contrary to popular belief. The research found no increase in aggressive tendencies, indicating a more complex relationship between video game content and player responses. The study involved 54 male participants playing either a violent or non-violent passage from the game "Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End" for 25 minutes, and measured cortisol and testosterone levels, personality traits, and aggressive cognition. The results showed that playing the violent game had a relaxing effect on players and did not influence aggressive thoughts or tendencies. However, the study was limited to male participants, and further research with larger sample sizes and female participants is needed to better understand the effects of violent video games.